Passengers without ID to pay $45 fee: TSA

 

 

PP Cherian

Washington, DC: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made a new announcement. Starting February 1, 2026, passengers without a REAL ID or passport will have to pay a $45 fee at airport security checkpoints.

The fee was previously proposed to be $18, but has now been increased to $45. This fee is the next step in the implementation of REAL ID.

Those without a valid ID will have to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system before being allowed to pass through the checkpoint.

The TSA said that this fee is to ensure that the administrative and IT costs associated with the ID verification program are borne by passengers, not taxpayers.

Those without REAL ID can verify their identity and pay a fee online at TSA.gov. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

The TSA warns that even if you pay the fee and confirm, you will not be allowed to pass through the checkpoint.

Once you pay the fee and verify, you will be allowed to pass through the TSA checkpoint for 10 days. After that, if you travel again without REAL ID, you will have to pay the fee again.

Currently, about 94% of travelers use REAL ID or other approved identification.